Sonny 2016-17 Season: Premier League Mastery and Global Recognition

Season Overview

The 2016-17 season marked Son Heung-min's complete establishment as a world-class winger in the Premier League. In his second season at Tottenham, Son achieved career-best numbers with 47 appearances, 21 goals, and 11 assists, playing a crucial role in Tottenham's historic campaign that saw them finish second in the Premier League - their best league position in over two decades.

Statistical Analysis

Overall Record

• Appearances: 47 matches
• Goals: 21 goals (14 in Premier League, 7 in other competitions)
• Assists: 11 assists (9 in Premier League, 2 in other competitions)
• Average rating: 7.8/10
• Shot conversion rate: 47%
• Dribble success rate: 72%
• Goal involvement: 32 (21 goals + 11 assists)

Competition Breakdown

• Premier League: 37 appearances, 14 goals, 9 assists
• FA Cup: 4 appearances, 3 goals, 1 assist
• EFL Cup: 2 appearances, 2 goals
• UEFA Europa League: 4 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist

The most impressive aspect of Son's season was his balanced contribution in both goals and assists, establishing himself as Tottenham's attacking cornerstone alongside Harry Kane.

Key Match Analysis

1. Manchester City vs Tottenham (October 2, 2016) ★★★★★

Result: Manchester City 0-2 (Tottenham Victory)
Son's Performance: 2 goals

This match at the Etihad Stadium showcased one of Son's finest performances of the 2016-17 season. He opened the scoring in the 9th minute from a Dele Alli pass, then sealed the victory with a spectacular individual goal in the 51st minute, beating both Otamendi and Stones before finishing clinically. His second goal was nominated for Goal of the Season and demonstrated his world-class ability.

2. Liverpool vs Tottenham (February 11, 2017) ★★★★☆

Result: Liverpool 0-2 (Tottenham Victory)
Son's Performance: 1 goal, 1 assist

At Anfield, Son contributed both a goal and an assist in a comprehensive victory over Liverpool. He assisted Kane's goal in the 73rd minute before scoring the clinching goal himself in the 83rd minute. This victory symbolized Tottenham's emergence as genuine contenders against the Big Six.

3. Tottenham vs Millwall (February 18, 2017, FA Cup) ★★★★★

Result: Tottenham 6-0 Victory
Son's Performance: 2 goals, 1 assist

In this FA Cup Fifth Round tie, Son's versatility was on full display. He scored in the 45th and 82nd minutes while also assisting Vincent Janssen's goal, contributing to the comprehensive victory. Pochettino praised Son post-match as "the perfect player for our team."

4. Tottenham vs Chelsea (April 22, 2017) ★★★★☆

Result: Tottenham 2-4 (Chelsea Victory)
Son's Performance: 1 goal

Despite the defeat at Stamford Bridge, Son scored a crucial equalizer in the 43rd minute of this London derby. Although the team lost, Son's goal demonstrated his ability to score in high-pressure matches against top opposition.

5. Arsenal vs Tottenham (November 6, 2016) ★★☆☆☆ (Disappointing Match)

Result: Arsenal 1-1 Draw
Son's Performance: No goals, 3 shots off target

In this North London Derby, Son had an uncharacteristically disappointing performance. He missed three clear chances in the first half alone, most notably an open goal opportunity in the 33rd minute that left fans frustrated. This match highlighted the need for greater composure in crucial moments.

Tactical Evolution

Under Pochettino's guidance, Son evolved into a more complete player, primarily operating as a left winger while occasionally featuring on the right or centrally.

Positional Distribution

• Left winger: 28 appearances (primary position)
• Right winger: 12 appearances
• Central striker: 5 appearances
• Attacking midfielder: 2 appearances

Key Tactical Features

1. Wing-back overlaps: Perfect combinations with Rose and Walker to maximize wide areas
2. Inside cutting: Mastered the pattern of starting wide and cutting into central areas
3. Counter-attacking finishing: Key player in Pochettino's rapid transition style
4. Defensive contribution: High work rate extending to defensive pressing

Individual Records and Milestones

Season Achievements

• Career-high 25th Premier League goal (March 2017)
• First 20-goal season at Tottenham
• Four consecutive games with goals (January-February 2017)
• 10 away goals in Premier League (specialized in away performances)

Team Impact Analysis

Son's contributions were instrumental in Tottenham's historic season achievements.

Tottenham 2016-17 Accomplishments

• Premier League runners-up (86 points, best finish in 20 years)
• Champions League qualification (third consecutive year)
• 86 goals scored (second-highest in league)
• Unbeaten at home (19 wins, 0 draws, 0 defeats at White Hart Lane)

Son's 21 goals represented approximately 24% of the team's total goal output, ranking second behind Harry Kane (29 goals) in the team's scoring charts.

Media and Expert Analysis

The British football establishment unanimously praised Son's 2016-17 performances. Sky Sports rated him as "one of the Premier League's finest wingers," while BBC described him as "a player who has moved to an entirely different level."

Major Media Assessments

• The Telegraph: "Tottenham's secret weapon"
• The Guardian: "Opened a new dimension for Asian football"
• Daily Mail: "The Premier League's most feared winger"

Individual Honors and Recognition

• Tottenham Player of the Month: October, February
• Premier League Player of the Month nominee: October, February
• PFA Team of the Year candidate
• Asian Player of the Year Award
• Korean Sports Hero Award

Memorable Moments

Fan Relationship Development

This season saw Son develop a special bond with Tottenham supporters. The "Son Heung-min Song" was created, and his jersey sales skyrocketed among fans.

Historic Records

• First Korean to score 20+ goals in Premier League season
• Most goal contributions by Asian player in single Premier League season (32)
• Most successful Asian player in Tottenham history

Season Highlights

Manchester City Double

Son's two goals at the Etihad represented the season's symbolic moment. His second goal, in particular, showcased the pinnacle of individual skill and became a defining moment of his Premier League career.

White Hart Lane Farewell

This season marked the final campaign at Tottenham's historic White Hart Lane stadium. Son contributed 11 home goals, helping create unforgettable memories for fans in the stadium's farewell season.

Performance Analysis by Competition

Premier League Excellence

Son's 14 league goals came at crucial moments throughout the season. His consistency in big matches, particularly against top-six opponents, established him as a reliable performer on the biggest stages.

Cup Competition Impact

With 7 goals across cup competitions, Son demonstrated his ability to step up in knockout football. His FA Cup performances were particularly impressive, showing his hunger for silverware.

European Stage Presence

Although Tottenham's Europa League campaign was brief, Son's contributions highlighted his continued effectiveness in European competition, building on his Champions League experience from Leverkusen.

Statistical Context and Comparisons

Historical Perspective

Son's 21 goals made him only the second Asian player to reach 20+ goals in a single Premier League season, establishing a new benchmark for Asian footballers in European leagues.

Peer Comparison

Among Premier League wingers, Son's goal tally ranked in the top five for the season, while his assist numbers demonstrated his complete attacking contribution.

Efficiency Metrics

• Minutes per goal: 178 minutes
• Minutes per goal involvement: 115 minutes
• Big chance conversion: 68%

Cultural and Global Impact

Asian Football Revolution

Son's performances this season had profound implications for Asian football's global perception. His success opened doors for increased scouting and opportunities for Asian players in European leagues.

Media Coverage Expansion

International broadcasters significantly increased their Premier League coverage in Asian markets, with Son's matches often becoming the most-watched fixtures.

Role Model Status

Young Asian footballers worldwide began emulating Son's playing style and professional approach, with football academies across Asia reporting increased enrollment following his success.

Tactical Intelligence Development

Positional Awareness

Son's understanding of space and timing reached new heights this season. His movement between the lines and ability to find pockets of space became increasingly sophisticated.

Decision Making

The season saw marked improvement in Son's decision-making, particularly in knowing when to shoot versus when to pass, contributing to his increased assist numbers.

Pressing Coordination

Son's integration into Pochettino's pressing system became seamless, with his work rate and positioning off the ball earning praise from tactical analysts.

Looking Ahead: Season Legacy

Foundation for Future Success

The 2016-17 campaign established Son as a cornerstone of Tottenham's future ambitions. His performances created expectations for even greater achievements in subsequent seasons.

Transfer Market Impact

Son's success significantly influenced the transfer market for Asian players, with his achievements setting new valuation benchmarks for players from the continent.

Tactical Template

Son's versatility and effectiveness in multiple positions became a template for modern wide forwards, influencing tactical trends across European football.

End-of-Season Reflections

Player Development

Son concluded the season having evolved from a promising talent into a proven world-class performer. His maturity on and off the pitch impressed teammates, coaches, and observers alike.

Team Dynamics

His chemistry with Kane, Eriksen, and other key players reached new levels, creating the foundation for Tottenham's sustained success in following seasons.

Personal Satisfaction

Post-season interviews revealed Son's satisfaction with his development while maintaining ambition for future achievements, including silverware and individual recognition.

Statistical Summary

The numbers tell the story of Son's remarkable season:

• Goal involvement every 115 minutes
• Scored against 12 different Premier League opponents
• 4 match-winning goals
• 67% of goals scored with his 'weaker' right foot
• 89% pass completion rate in final third

Season Awards and Recognition

Team Honors

• Named in Tottenham's official Team of the Season
• Received club's Player's Player award nomination
• Featured in multiple Premier League Team of the Week selections

Individual Accolades

• Korean Football Association Player of the Year
• Asian Football Confederation Player of the Year nominee
• Premier League Hall of Fame consideration for Asian players

Conclusion: A Transformative Campaign

The 2016-17 season represented Son Heung-min's complete transformation into a world-class footballer. His 21 goals and 11 assists were more than mere statistics—they were evidence of his evolution into one of the Premier League's elite performers.

This campaign proved that Son had transcended being simply "Asia's hope" to become a player who could compete with the world's best. His contributions were instrumental in Tottenham's golden era, and his performances set new standards for Asian players in European football.

The season's success provided the foundation for Son's future achievements while inspiring a generation of young footballers across Asia. His journey from promising Bundesliga talent to Premier League star was complete, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to follow.

Most importantly, the 2016-17 season demonstrated that with talent, dedication, and the right environment, barriers can be broken and new heights achieved. Son's success story became a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide, proving that dreams can become reality through persistent effort and unwavering determination.

Sources:

• Premier League Official Website
• ESPN Football Statistics
• BBC Sport Archives
• Sky Sports Analysis Reports
• Tottenham Hotspur Official Records
• Opta Sports Data
• Wikipedia: "Son Heung-min"